1864

"A BROKEN AND A CONTRITE HEART, O GOD, THOU WILT NOT DESPISE"

by William Cullen Bryant

A BROKEN AND A CONTRITE HEART, O GOD, THOU WILT NOT DESPISE -

O God, whose dread and dazzling brow

Love never yet forsook!

On those who seek thy presence now

In deep compassion look. -

Aid our weak steps and eyesight dim

The paths of peace to find,

And lead us all to learn of Him

Who died to save mankind. -

For many a frail and erring heart

Is in thy holy sight,

And feet too willing to depart

From the plain way of right. -

Yet, pleased the humble prayer to hear,

And kind to all that live,

Thou, when thou seest the contrite tear,

Art ready to forgive. - -